October 1, 2012

Bloodiest - Descent

Review by Aaron Sullivan.

Bloodiest is the latest project fronted by Bruce Lamont (Yakuza, Nachtmystium, Minsk). A seven member band making what can be described as Sludgy Post-Metal. But if you are looking for a Neurosis or Isis clone this is not the band.

Trance like, dark, ritualistic, and atmospheric. These are words that come to my mind as I hear this album. Songs crawl and burrow their way into your mind as you realize your body is swaying with the rhythm. Guitars are a mixed bag of acoustic style picking, Sludgy riffing, and Black Metal tremolo picking. Piano and tribal like drumming creates an dark and unsettling atmosphere. Even Bruce’s vocal delivery sounds like chants from some underworld priest trying to summon the dark lord himself. Nothing here is safe or sunny. A mood that is set early and kept throughout the album.

How I missed this last year I do not know. But I am glad to have found it. A real gem of an album, I hope gets the recognition it deserves.